Nigericin is a cationic ionophore that inhibits Golgi function and suppresses growth of gram positive bacteria. It also prevents viral activation and triggers activation of the NALP3 inflammasome. Nigericin acts as an H+, K+, Pb2+ ionophore. Most commonly it is an antiporter of H+ and K+. In the past nigericin was used as an antibiotic active against gram positive bacteria. It inhibits the Golgi functions in Eukaryotic cells. Its ability to induce K+ efflux also makes it a potent activator of the NLRP3 inflammasome.